Connor Bedard says Blackhawks ‘will win plenty of video games’ with Corridor and Foligno

Bruins

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson (left) poses with first round draft pick Connor Bedard during the first round of the NHL hockey draft, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
Chicago Blackhawks common supervisor Kyle Davidson (left) poses with first spherical draft decide Connor Bedard throughout the first spherical of the NHL hockey draft, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. AP Picture/George Walker IV

NASHVILLE — Connor Bedard arrived to nice fanfare within the Music Metropolis for the NHL Entry Draft. And on Wednesday, he donned the No. 98 Blackhawks sweater for the primary time upon arriving on the Bridgestone Area stage as the highest general decide.

Even with the uber-talented Bedard on board, Chicago’s rebuilding stage will proceed. However the former Regina (WHL) celebrity can have a pair of dependable veterans to lean on to information him via his rookie season.

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Roughly 48 hours earlier than Bedard’s choice, the Blackhawks acquired Taylor Corridor and Nick Foligno from the cap-strapped Boston Bruins in change for defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula.

Inside minutes of his introductory press convention, Bedard addressed the Corridor and Foligno acquisition. As a younger 18-year-old who will transition on to maturity within the fall, Bedard couldn’t have requested for a greater pair of veterans to lean on.

“I feel it’s actually particular,” Bedard mentioned on sharing the identical locker room as Corridor and Foligno. “These two guys have been via every thing within the Nationwide Hockey League. So for me to study from them — and so they’re unbelievable gamers — and ask inquiries to is superior. They’re going to assist us win plenty of video games.”

Foligno signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago on Tuesday. Whether or not he stays a Blackhawk past the upcoming season is anybody’s guess. However his management and his gritty skillset will solely profit the younger Blackhawks as they appear to ease their transition from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane period.

The Blackhawks seemingly envision Corridor as a pivotal cog for at the least the subsequent two seasons. The previous Bruin has two years remaining on his contract with a $6 million annual cap hit.

Corridor, the 2010 high general decide, may discover himself as one in all Bedard’s linemates when the Blackhawks open their season in Pittsburgh towards Sidney Crosby, the 2005 No. 1 choice, and the Penguins on Oct. 10.

Chicago can have a fast turnaround for the second recreation of the Bedard period the next night time when Corridor and Foligno return to face their former group throughout Boston’s season opener on Oct. 11.